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New startup sells coffee through SSH (terminal.shop)

904 points by ethanholt1 · 835 days ago · 407 comments on HN

Article summary

A new startup is selling coffee through SSH, allowing customers to purchase coffee using a command-line interface. The concept is not new, with similar ideas having been implemented in online games such as Everquest. The startup's approach has sparked discussion about the potential for application security risks and the need for transparency about data collection. The service's use of SSH raises questions about tracking and anonymity.

Main themes

  • SSH coffee purchase
  • Application security
  • Data collection
  • Online anonymity
  • In-game purchasing
  • Startup innovation

What commenters say

  • The concept of purchasing coffee through SSH is not novel and has been done before in online games.
  • The use of SSH for coffee purchases raises concerns about application security and potential exploits.
  • Some argue that the startup's use of SSH does not require a cookie banner or disclosure about data collection, while others disagree.
  • The service's ability to track users through their SSH public key is a potential privacy concern.
  • Using a unique key per service could help maintain anonymity, but this may not be practical or effective.
  • The discussion around the startup's approach highlights the tension between innovation and security considerations.
  • Some commenters believe that the subset of people using SSH for purchases is too small to be a significant tracking concern, while others argue that any potential for tracking should be disclosed.
  • The use of SSH for coffee purchases is seen as a novelty that may appeal to a specific niche of tech-savvy users.